According to CNN, the decision was made shortly before Mr. Pence is expected to announce his presidential run next week. The fact that the former vice president does not face charges of mishandling classified documents will give him an extra "plus" compared to former President Donald Trump - who is facing serious investigations by the US government. US Department of Justice and other agencies.
“The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Department of Justice’s National Security Division have conducted an investigation into possible mishandling of classified information. Based on the results of that investigation, no criminal charges will be filed," the Justice Department wrote to Pence's attorney.
Former US Vice President Mike Pence.
In January, a lawyer for Mr. Pence found about a dozen documents marked as classified at his home, in Indiana, after the former vice president asked an attorney to review the records. The incident took place after classified documents were found at the home of US President Joe Biden in Delaware, as well as the home of former President Trump before.
Mr. Pence turned over the classified files to the FBI, and the FBI and the Department of Justice's National Security Division conducted an assessment of how the documents arrived at his home. The former vice president said he was not aware the documents were at his home but admitted "there was an error" and took responsibility for it.
The US Justice Department is still investigating the handling of classified files by Mr. Trump and Mr. Biden. Attorney General Merrick Garland has appointed a special prosecutor in each investigation, on the grounds that the person being investigated is a presidential candidate.
While Pence's attorneys contacted the National Archives and promptly returned the documents to the FBI, Trump refused to turn over classified documents in his possession, eventually subpoenaing the court last year and The FBI was authorized to search Trump's home in Mar-a-Lago.
Special counsel Jack Smith's investigation into Trump's handling of classified documents has led to other meetings with dozens of Trump aides and staff and expanded activity in recent months, signaling A legal decision may be imminent. The FBI obtained more than 100 classified documents during its search of Mar-a-Lago, and Trump's lawyers say the former president turned over classified documents in his possession following a subpoena.
Source VTC (Source: CNN)
